U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Lithium Chemicals, By Compound And Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed statistics on the quantities and customs values of lithium chemicals imported into the United States, categorized by compound type and country or locality of origin. Lithium chemicals, including lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, are critical raw materials for various industries, particularly in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and energy storage systems. Tracking import volumes and values provides insight into supply chain dynamics, trade dependencies, and market trends that influence domestic production capabilities and economic competitiveness in the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery sector.

Analysis of the data reveals notable shifts between 2021 and 2022. Total imports of lithium carbonate increased significantly from 12,300 metric tons valued at $75.5 million to 16,000 metric tons valued at $163 million, more than doubling in value despite a roughly 30% increase in volume. Chile and Argentina remain the dominant suppliers, with Chile’s lithium carbonate imports rising from 5,800 to 8,070 metric tons and their value nearly tripling from $39.5 million to $108 million. Argentina also showed growth, with imports increasing from 6,280 to 7,680 metric tons and value rising from $34.2 million to $51.4 million. Conversely, imports of lithium hydroxide decreased in volume from 1,980 to 1,510 metric tons but saw a substantial increase in value from $18.8 million to $34.5 million, driven largely by Chile’s reduced volume (1,650 to 1,300 metric tons) yet more than doubling in value from $15.2 million to $32.4 million. Other countries such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom showed marked increases in lithium carbonate imports, suggesting diversification in supply sources. These trends underscore the growing demand and rising prices for lithium chemicals, reflecting their strategic importance in the global transition to clean energy technologies.